We hear the phrase “pretty in pink” frequently. Pink is the chosen color for newborn girls, the October reminder of the fight against breast cancer, a de facto symbol of femininity, and can be perceived as a risky attire choice for a man. Women seeking to make a powerful statement often shy away from pink due to the ultra-feminine connotations of this hue.

Not only is Elaine pretty in pink, there’s a takeaway in this outfit’s details. In 1974, Diane Von Furstenberg revolutionized fashion with the wrap dress; a symbol of power and independence. The novel style universally flattered women and was widely embraced by the masses. The wrap dress has spawned many similar garments today.

The fabric wrapping and soft lines, embodied in the original wrap dress design, flattered the body while hiding areas needed to be camouflaged. In Elaine’s case, the lines are simply complimentary. No need to hide anything!

Today’s designers have simplified the wrap dress shortcoming; keeping fabric in place. The more structured current designs preserve the compelling independent and empowered look of the original design. Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Ivanka Trump, and others consistently create beautiful dresses that exploit the wrap dress benefits. We recommend adding one to your wardrobe. It is a versatile go-to piece that should serve you well.

As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, eye catching colors are a welcome interruption to the flat dark color palettes of fall. Bright saturated colors have power, especially when unexpected shades materialize.

While very little scientific research has been done on color psychology, it is virtually indisputable that wearing a “power” color elevates an outfit as well as the mood of the individual wearing it. So, what exactly are power colors and what are the benefits of wearing them?

A power color is a shade that significantly flatters the individual who is wearing it. It’s a color that brings a smile to your face, makes you walk with more confidence and catches the attention of friends and strangers. The benefits of a power color extend beyond enhancing our appearance and radiating positive energy. They make us feel electric.

The tremendously gifted artist Henri Matisse said “With color one obtains an energy that seems to stem from witchcraft.” Eliminate the element of mystery by identifying the colors that best suit you. We encourage you to wear your power colors more frequently and experience color driven empowerment.

Have you ever wondered where the idea that white shouldn’t be worn after Labor originated? Elaine was interviewed by CNN for an article which addressed this guideline. We believe this is a rule which was meant to be broken. Read the article here:

Swann Style hereby grants you permission to where white all year long! Coco Chanel did it and so does Elaine Swann.

Tom Ford, the former creative director for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, said it best. “Dressing well is a form of good manners.”

If this statement is true, we can assume dressing well equates to good manners. We can further assert that good manners are always in style. From these conclusions doesn’t it logically follow that dressing well is always in style? We believe this is the case.

Logic analogies notwithstanding, judgments about intelligence, competency, skills, and abilities are made in a split second. These assessments are largely based on appearance. Appearance stems from how we dress. As such, dressing well is not only indicative of good manners but also a way to project the most compelling representation of ourselves. Dress well, be stylish and you’re well on your way to demonstrating exemplary etiquette.

"Fiery red is a mood elevator," says Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone's executive director. "It can boost confidence and make you feel more in control." Pantone is the global authority on color and provides professional color standards for the design industries. Their institute charts future color direction and studies the effect of colors on human thought, emotions and physical reactions. Pantone included a bright shade of red in their Fall 2016 Fashion Color report.

As the days get shorter and the temperatures fall, we advocate wearing red bright colors such as crimson, scarlet, cherry or ruby red hues. Pop a monochrome outfit with a red scarf, shoe or bag. Then, prepare yourself to receive compliments. Just as exemplary etiquette is always in fashion, the color red will always be in style.

Gold stars and gold medals, the gold standard, and the golden rule conjure up images of achievement, and reaching the pinnacle of personal success.

Gold, the precious metal has launched wars and been coveted by ancient civilizations, now refers to the high standards by which society evaluates behavior and performance.

Gold, and other metallic palettes, will be ubiquitous this fall. Isn’t it fitting to see Elaine wear a beautiful shade of gold as her proverbial golden touch, in all things etiquette, is shared with society?

Elaine is wearing a Jax dress. Necklace and earrings by White House Black Market.

Elaine Swann is a Modern Etiquette Expert, Lifestyle Etiquette Coach on Wedding Etiquette, Business Etiquette, Children's Manners, Dining Etiquette Pageant Coaching & More. Etiquette Expert Elaine Swann is based in southern California and speaks to organizations throughout the United States.